Trace Detection of DMT in Plant Matter

Importance of the Topic

The detection of N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in botanical materials is critical for consumer safety, law enforcement, and regulatory compliance. As a potent hallucinogen with varied legal status worldwide, rapid field-based screening methods are required to address rising recreational use and illicit trafficking.

Goals and Study Overview

This application note evaluates a handheld Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) approach using the MIRA XTR DS system to identify trace amounts of DMT in plant matter. The study simulates real-world scenarios by spiking dried bark samples with known DMT concentrations and assessing detection performance.

Methodology

Sample Preparation:

• Harvest, oven-dry, and grind plant bark to a rough powder.
• Weigh 50 mg portions and spike to 0.1 %, 0.05 %, 0.01 %, and 0.005 % w/w DMT.
• Extract each sample with 500 µL dichloromethane (DCM), shake for one minute, and allow solids to settle.

Assay Protocols:

• Au NP SERS: Remove DCM by evaporation, add 800 µL colloidal gold nanoparticles, shake gently, and acquire SERS spectrum.
• P-SERS Strips: Deposit 10 µL DCM extract and 10 µL 1 mM HCl onto gold P-SERS strip, dry, then measure.

Instrument Settings:

• Laser Power: 5
• Integration Time: 4 s
• Averages: 5
• Orbital Raster Scanning: ON

Instrumentation Used

• MIRA XTR DS Basic (785 nm laser, XTR algorithms, ORS technology)
• ID Kit – Au P-SERS (gold P-SERS strips, disposable spatula, dropper, sample vials)

Main Results and Discussion

Au NP SERS achieved sensitive detection of DMT down to approximately 0.005 % w/w, with strong signature peaks at higher concentrations (0.1 % and 0.05 %). P-SERS strips provided reliable identification at 0.1 % w/w, demonstrating adequate sensitivity for field applications despite a modest reduction in signal intensity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The MIRA XTR DS combined with Au NP colloids and gold P-SERS strips offers:

• Rapid on-site screening with minimal sample preparation.
• High sensitivity for trace DMT detection in complex botanical matrices.
• Portable, user-friendly operation suited to border control, forensic, and quality-control settings.

Future Trends and Applications

Ongoing developments in SERS substrate engineering, expansion of spectral libraries, and integration of machine learning for automated spectral interpretation will enhance field-deployable Raman platforms. Further miniaturization and multimodal sensor fusion may broaden applications across forensic, pharmaceutical, and environmental monitoring.

Conclusion

The MIRA XTR DS system, paired with Au NP SERS and gold P-SERS assays, delivers a robust, field-ready solution for the rapid and sensitive detection of DMT in plant matter, supporting effective enforcement and safeguarding public health.

References

1. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Philadelphia CBP Seizes Two Shipments of Dangerous Controlled Substances Destined to NY and Chicago.
2. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. 60 Pounds of Dimethyltryptamine Seized by CBP Officers.
3. Chambers MI, Appley MG, Longo CM, et al. Detection and Quantification of Psychoactive N,N-Dimethyltryptamine in Ayahuasca Brews by Ambient Ionization High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry. ACS Omega. 2020;5(44):28547–28554.
4. ScienceDirect Topics. N,N-Dimethyltryptamine – an overview.
5. U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP Memphis Seizes over 634 lbs of DMT so far this Fiscal Year.